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Arts, Briefly; Washington Ballet's 'Nutcracker' Is Canceled

The Washington Ballet canceled last night's and tonight's performances of "The Nutcracker" after negotiations with dancers and their union over a new contract ended without an agreement. More talks were not planned, the company and the union said, putting further performances in doubt. The dancers have said they will not perform without a new contract. The executive director of the ballet, Jason Palmquist, told the union that the ballet was not willing to negotiate under the threat of a strike, which he said would be "profoundly devastating not only for the entire institution, but also for the community and for the families and friends of our performers." He added, "We have been negotiating with the dancers in good faith and wish for those conversations to continue." The dancers' union, the American Guild of Musical Artists, contends that the dancers have not declared a strike and had also sought to continue negotiations. Dancers, who performed "The Nutcracker" since Dec. 1, are seeking a new contract with the company in an effort, they say, to protect their jobs, safety and health. They want more control over the scheduling of rehearsals and performances and how management handles dismissals. "The Nutcracker," which makes more money than any other show for the company, was scheduled to run through Dec. 24.